Mortal Cultivator: Lin Tianzun

Chapter 94 Demon Flame Sect Treasure Pavilion

A few days later, Lin Fan finally entered the sphere of influence of the Six Demonic Sects. As soon as he entered, a strong stench of decay and blood washed over him, like countless wronged souls screaming madly in the dark abyss. The sound penetrated his eardrums, disturbing his mind.

The sky was obscured by layers of dense, inky clouds. Sunlight managed to squeeze through tiny gaps, but was instantly swallowed by the eerie, almost suffocating atmosphere. The light it cast was like a drifting will-o'-the-wisp, flickering and swaying, exuding an indescribable eeriness. On the ground, dried bloodstains stretched like twisting snakes, stretching from the ruins of the dilapidated village to the unreachable distance. Along the way, broken walls and dilapidated houses teetered in the gloomy wind, their doors creaking and groaning, as if they were wailing out their past misery, their voices filled with despair and unwillingness.

In the distance, an eerie whistling sound drifted faintly, like the frantic struggle and screams of a trapped spirit, each one pounding at one's psychological defenses. In the forest, trees grew in a twisted, almost maddening manner, their trunks covered in cursed black veins, as if corroded by a profoundly evil force. Every leaf exuded a bone-chilling chill that sent shivers down one's spine. Occasionally, enormous demonic birds flew overhead, their feathers gleaming with a cold, eerie light, their shrill cries piercing the air like a sharp blade, sending chills down one's spine.

……

Lin Fan held his breath, channeling his inner spiritual energy with all his might. A faint, purplish aura enveloped him, the very sign of the Thousand Illusions Invisibility Technique activating. In the blink of an eye, his form twisted and shifted dramatically, his outline gradually blurring. When it solidified again, he had transformed into a bearded man. Each strand of his beard stood out like steel needles, and his face was hardened, revealing a rugged and unruly air, a stark contrast to Lin Fan's usual gentle demeanor.

Immediately afterwards, the rhythm of his spiritual energy flowed subtly, and he unleashed his full power on the Hidden Spirit Technique. His once-powerful Golden Core Stage aura seemed to be enveloped and repressed by an invisible, malevolent hand, retreating step by step until he finally settled firmly at the late Foundation Establishment stage.

After completing all this, Lin Fan raised his hand and slapped his storage bag hard. In a flash of light, a simple, high-level magical instrument appeared in his palm. This magical instrument resembled a slender flying shuttle, densely engraved with runes. The runes shimmered with a faint blue light, and the faint sound of wind and thunder rumbled within. He tapped his toes and leaped onto the shuttle, which instantly transformed into a stream of light and sped off towards the market.

Along the way, the wind whistled in his ears as Lin Fan observed his surroundings with vigilance. Within the sphere of influence of the six demonic sects, deadly dangers lurked everywhere. A single misstep could lead to eternal damnation. His gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, scanning for any suspicious signs. Simultaneously, he secretly gathered spiritual energy in his hands, ready for any emergency. His entire body tensed, ready to respond to any possible danger.

Not long after, Lin Fan arrived at the restricted airspace. He leaped steadily from his magical instrument, his spiritual energy surging gently throughout his body. He expertly executed the Wind Control Technique, and like a nimble yet alert bird, he scurried towards the market town. His figure was as swift as lightning, his robes fluttering. The ground beneath his feet receded rapidly, and the surrounding darkness seemed to swallow him whole.

Half a cup of tea passed in a flash. As Lin Fan approached the market gate, he felt a wave of heat mixed with a variety of strange and sinister auras. The market gate was supported by two massive black stone pillars, each carved with a hideous demon god. The demon god's eyes were bloodshot, as if he was looking down at everyone who entered. His gaze was filled with greed and murderous intent, making people shudder. It seemed that if they stepped into the market, they would be locked in the demon god's gaze and become its meal.

Guarding the gate were two burly demonic cultivators. They wore black robes, the flame emblem of the Demon Flame Sect embroidered on their chests. The flames seemed like burning souls, emitting a fiery and sinister aura. Their eyes, sharp as a knife, sized Lin Fan up and down. Their gazes were scrutinizing and wary, as if they were piercing through him. Lin Fan's heart tightened, but he remained composed. He bowed slightly, feigning the air of a new arrival, and said, "Brothers, I've heard the market here is bustling, and I've come to see it for myself."

One of the guards snorted coldly, his gaze lingering on the high-level magic weapon in Lin Fan's hand for a moment, and he said, "Hmph, since you're here, you must abide by the rules here. If you dare to cause trouble here, don't blame us for being rude." After that, he casually waved his hand, motioning Lin Fan to go in, but that casual action revealed an unquestionable ruthlessness.

Lin Fan took a deep breath and stepped into the market. Instantly, a clamorous, yet sinister, heat wave washed over him. Unlike the more cramped markets of Yue, this market was vast and bustling, yet permeated with an eerie atmosphere, like a floating world painting of urban life distorted by a sinister force, unfolding before his eyes. The market was crisscrossed by several wide streets. The bluestone pavement, polished to a shine by the footsteps of the passing pedestrians, shone with a faint, dark red hue, as if stained with blood. On either side of the streets, attics and houses of varying heights intertwined, their elongated eaves and brackets exquisitely carved. From the eaves hung colorful, yet eerie, lanterns, swaying gently in the chilly breeze, cast a warm, yet chilling, glow all around.

The doors of some pavilions are open, and you can see a wide variety of rare treasures displayed inside, but those treasures emit a strange light, as if telling the unknown bloody secrets behind them; some houses have doors and windows half-closed, and you can faintly hear the sounds of talking and laughing and the collision of objects, but the laughter is mixed with a faint sinister sneer, which makes people feel creepy.

The streets were bustling with people, and Lin Fan's gaze was drawn to a variety of figures. Each of them exuded a fierce aura, their faces bearing the wariness and vigilance of a seasoned warrior, and exuding a sinister aura.

Look at that burly man, with his strong chest exposed, muscles bulging like steel, and hideous tattoos on his arms. The tattoos twisted like living things, and his steps were full of vigor. A big knife gleaming with cold light was hung on his waist, and the red tassel on the handle fluttered as he walked. The color of the red tassel was as dazzling as blood.

There was also the thin old man with lightning-like eyes, a goatee under his hooked nose, a black robe fluttering in the wind, his hands clasped in his sleeves, and an aura that made people dare not approach easily. I wonder what secret deal he was planning, that aura was full of calculation and evil.

The hawkers' cries echoed one after another, weaving into a lively yet eerie melody of the marketplace. "Fresh-baked spiritual cakes, bursting with spiritual power, come and try some!" "Fine-quality magical instruments, they can cut through iron like mud, don't miss out!" Peddlers carried a shoulder pole piled high with all sorts of miscellaneous goods, hawking their wares as they walked, their cries tinged with a subtle allure. Shop owners stood at their doorways, enthusiastically soliciting customers, their eyes filled with anticipation for a booming business, yet within that anticipation lay greed and lust.

Lin Fan was in the bustling market, gazing at the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and the towering buildings, filled with wonder at the bustling, complex, yet sinister and strange nature of this market. The clamorous cries of vendors and the clamoring voices intertwined into a unique symphony of the marketplace, echoing in his ears and making him even more wary.

Intent on exploration, Lin Fan casually wandered the crisscrossing streets. Street stalls lined the streets, vendors enthusiastically calling out their wares. A dazzling array of goods shimmered in the sunlight. But after a closer inspection, Lin Fan couldn't help but frown. The stalls were selling only low-level spiritual items of mediocre quality. For someone with considerable strength, they were of little use.

His eyes flickered, and he remembered the grand shop he had just glimpsed. With an idea in mind, he immediately headed in that direction. Along the way, there were a constant stream of people, and Lin Fan dodged to avoid them, his steps hurried. In just a moment, a towering and enormous attic loft suddenly appeared before him.

This attic rises from the ground, a full three stories high, imposing an imposing presence. The soaring eaves resemble a roc flapping its wings, ready for flight. The stacked brackets are intricately detailed, each joint perfectly fitting, a testament to the craftsman's exquisite craftsmanship. Yet, the eaves and brackets resemble a demonic, baring fangs and claws. The building's carved beams and painted rafters are vividly adorned with auspicious images of dragons and phoenixes, galloping auspicious beasts, and other lifelike designs. The delicate textures and vibrant colors interplay, gleaming in the sunlight. Every detail exudes ultimate luxury and sophistication, yet also emanates a subtle, sinister aura, revealing a transcendent yet sinister undertone.

The attic's vermilion door stood ajar, a bright, warm yellow light streaming through the crack, as if gently greeting visitors, yet revealing a strange allure. Above the door, a black plaque with gold lettering read "Treasure Pavilion" in bold, powerful characters. The bold brushstrokes, the gold lacquer gleaming dazzlingly in the sunlight, seemed to silently reveal the countless treasures within, all rare and precious. This piqued curiosity, tempting one to push open the door and explore the secrets within. However, those secrets might conceal deadly dangers.

(End of this chapter)